W.A.I.T. = Why am I talking?

I heard this acronym, W.A.I.T. in a Non-Violent Communication (NVC) class and it really struck me as something I needed to hear. I have had a tendency to just talk to talk.

By taking a moment to "W.A.I.T" and ask myself, "why am I talking?" I can take that moment to become aware of my own needs and the needs of those listening. When someone is listening to me, I am asking for their attention and life energy. I want to respect that.

When someone is listening to me, I am asking for their attention and life energy. I want to respect that.

My excessive talking tendencies:

I find when I am feeling nervous, I tend to ramble. Sometimes I'm nervous because I drank too much coffee and sometimes because I am worried that the other person is judging me in some way. After my long rambles, I often feel embarrassed and realize I have not considered my listener's needs.

After my long rambles, I often feel embarrassed and realize I have not considered my listener's needs.

How I am practicing W.A.I.T.:

• Reminding myself of the W.A.I.T. acronym.

• Letting there be a few moments after I think someone has completed their thought before I open my mouth. PAUSING.

• When I catch myself rambling, verbally acknowledging it. "I just noticed I've been talking for the past few minutes...what are your thoughts on this?"

• If someone is telling a story and I am itching to share a similar story, I think first...Am I one-upping or comparing my story to theirs? What needs of mine will be met by sharing this story? Am I leaving adequate room and acknowledging their story to completion before sharing mine?

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Please share below in the comments!

xo-Erika